On 1 Oct 2006 12:57:46 -0700, wrote:

Hi,

My question is 2 fold (hence the weird framing of it!)

I have a 32 in X 48 in framed mirror that I am trying to install on a
wall which has studs that are about 18 inch apart.I am using 2 1/2 inch
screws to hold the thing on the wall.

1. The eyeholes on the back of the mirror frame are 30 inches apart and
finding matching stud locations is not possible. I tried this and have
ended up spoiling the wall with screw holes that didnt work for me
(till i got the stud finder!!). I was advised on getting a hanging wire
to attach to the back. Does anyone know what kind of wire I should be
getting?

2. Once I get this wire how do I attach it to the back of the mirror? I
was told it goes into the eyeholes but its hard for me to comprehend
how it would. Do I have to screw the wire into the back of the frame?

Most general stores and many supermarkets sell little packets
of stranded picture-wire with mounting hardware. Those have
diagrams and directions.

But I wouldn't do it that way. For heavy objects on a wall, you're
better off with wall-cleats.

see www.goedjn.com/sketch/wallcleat.gif

Use 1x2s or 1x3s the full width of the mirror, attached wherever
there are studs, with a bevel forming a trench against the all.

Attach matching cleats in to the (in this case, mirror) only
upside down.

If you're in an earthquake zone, you can drill vertically
through the cleats and put a pin (a 16d duplex scaffold
nail works well) through both brackets, to keep the thing
from bouncing loose.

Note that the cleats keep your object 3/4s of an inch away
from the wall. *I* don't consider this a problem.
If you do, you can fill the gap with more 1x2s, and use
the resulting hidden space to hide your propaganda leaflets.

--Goedjn